🧀 Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Serves
6–8 people
Total Time
30–35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Bread
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1 large round sourdough or crusty artisan loaf
(unsliced; firm crust is key)
Garlic Herb Butter
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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4–5 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 tbsp fresh thyme or chives (optional)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella
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½ cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère
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¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, but excellent)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
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Slice the bread
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Cut the loaf in a deep crosshatch pattern, about 1 inch apart.
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Do not cut all the way through the bottom.
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Make garlic butter
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Mix melted butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Fill the bread
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Gently open the cuts.
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Spoon garlic butter deep into every crack.
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Stuff cheese generously throughout.
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Bake
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Wrap loosely in foil.
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Bake 15 minutes.
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Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
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Serve
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Sprinkle with extra herbs or Parmesan.
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Serve hot and pull apart immediately.
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❓ Q & A
Q: What’s the best bread to use?
A: Sourdough boule or any crusty round loaf. Avoid soft sandwich bread—it gets soggy.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes.
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Assemble completely
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Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours
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Bake when ready (add 5 extra minutes)
Q: How do I prevent greasy bread?
A:
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Use crusty bread
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Don’t oversoak with butter
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Finish baking uncovered
Q: Can I add extras?
A: Absolutely:
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Cooked bacon or pancetta
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Pepperoni slices
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Caramelized onions
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Jalapeños or chili flakes
Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: Yes — use 1–1½ tsp garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives stronger flavor.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes (before baking).
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Wrap tightly in foil + freezer bag
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Freeze up to 1 month
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Bake from frozen at 375°F for ~35–40 minutes
Q: What goes well with it?
A:
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Pasta or lasagna
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Soups & chili
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Game-day snacks
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Holiday spreads.